MSC Cruises has signed a memorandum of understanding with the shipyard STX France for the construction of four new 210,000 gross tonne cruise ships.

The new World Class ships will measure approximately 330 metres in length, 47 metres wide and feature 2,760 staterooms. The maximum occupancy of each of the four ships will be 6,850, making them the largest cruise ships in the world in terms of passenger capacity.

​The ships will be equipped with a completely new generation of LNG-powered engines and will also feature a new generation waste water treatment system.

The ‘Y’ shaped superstructure enables panoramic sea views and increases the proportion of staterooms with balconies. The ship’s will also feature a ‘G bow’, vertically positioned at a 90 degree angle, designed to improve stability, hydrodynamics, whilst also enhancing levels of comfort.

Innovations for passengers include family friendly villages, glass pool lounge and a panoramic split superstructure at the aft of the ship.

The four new World Class ships are part of MSC Cruises’ ten year investment plan. The four ships are due to be launched between 2022 and 2026.